Short story: Mongoose and the lady

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MONGOOSE AND THE LADY

    Once upon a time there lived a farmer who had a mongoose as a pet in his house. He was very clever and loyal to his master. One day the farmer went out on business and his wife too after feeding the baby and putting him off to sleep left for the nearby well, to fill water in her pitcher. She was relaxed as the mongoose was there to guard the baby.

    But after she left for the well a black snake came out from the nearby hole, close to where the baby was sleeping on the floor. And it started inching towards the infant. On seeing the threat, the mongoose pounced on the snake and attacked him. In the fight that ensued, the mongoose tore the snake into pieces and killed it. He then went to the main door of the house to wait for the farmer’s wife.

    The farmer’s wife soon returned after filling her pitcher when she saw the mongoose resting near the doorstep. But on seeing blood in his mouth she thought he had bitten her baby. She felt saddened and even angry for a moment. And then in a fit of rage she threw the heavy pitcher full of water on the mongoose. Poor mongoose could not withstand the impact of the heavy pitcher and died on the spot.

    Farmer’s wife then ran inside in panic, but only to find that her baby was peacefully sleeping, but close by, a dead snake was lying that was killed by the mongoose. The lady realised her mistake. She ran towards the dead mongoose and held it in her arms and started weeping. But by then it was too late. And that is why it is said:

    One should not act and react without ascertaining facts, and if you do so you’ll only mess up things and be laughed at by the world.

Translated by Kamlesh Tripathi

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Only a skilled nation can create national wealth

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Analysis: 50% of the world’s wealth remains with 4-5 countries

    “National wealth” refers to the total value of wealth possessed by the citizens of a nation at a set point in time. That is, the total value of wealth and goods generated by all economic activity in a particular nation.

    It is also referred as the national (net) wealth, or the national net worth, or even the gross national wealth (GNW); summing up to the total national wealth and is the total sum value of wealth possessed by the citizens of a nation at any given point of time.

    This figure of national wealth is an important indicator of a nation’s ability to take on debt and sustain spending. It is influenced, not only by real estate prices, but also by the stock market, human resources, technological advancements which may create new assets or render other worthless. It is also steered by the national infrastructure and exchange rates. Remember, for value creation optimum skill levels are a must for any nation and therefore skill building is an important ingredient, required to augment national wealth.

    The most significant component by far among most developed nations is commonly reported as household net wealth or worth, and also reflects infrastructure investment. National wealth can fluctuate, as evidenced in the US data (to follow) following the financial crisis of 2008 and subsequent recovery.

    There are 196 countries in the world today. If we compare the national wealth figures of the first 30 major countries we will come across an interesting paradigm as below:

ANALYSIS … HOW CHINA FORGES AHEAD

  • The world’s wealth has grown from 117,225 billion USD in 2000 to 171,577 in 2005, up to 216,374 in 2010 and to 250,145 in 2015. This is a cumulative growth of 113% over the last 15 years and an average annual growth rate of 7.5%.
  • USA remains the richest in terms of national wealth and also a consistent performer since 2000 to 2015. In 2000 it had a national wealth of 42,941 billion USD which has grown to 85,901 billion USD in 2015. This is a cumulative growth of 100% over 15 years and an average annual growth rate of 6.67%.
  • The national wealth of the US in 2000 was 42,941 billion USD, a little more than the national wealth of Japan, UK, Germany, Italy and China, put together.
  • The national wealth of the US in 2005 was 59,664 billion USD, a little more than the national wealth of Japan, UK, France, Italy and Germany, put together.
  • The national wealth of the US in 2010 declined from 59,664 billion USD by 4.27% to 57114 on account of the economic crisis, but it still remained more than the combined national wealth of countries such as Japan, China and France, put together. China by 2010 had become a major skill development country and thereby started generating wealth. It would not be wrong to say that 50% of the wealth of the world is controlled by only four or five countries.
  • By 2015 the national wealth of the US had increased to 85,901 billion USD, a little more than the combined wealth of five economic super powers such as China, Japan, UK, France and Germany.
  • China’s policy of underscoring on skill development under the banner of human resources gave encouraging results when its national wealth from 4664 billion USD in 2000 went up to 8674 in 2005 and to 17505 in 2010 and finally to 22817 in 2015. And from 6th position in 2000 it has jumped to 2nd position in 2015 in terms of national wealth.
  • India on the contrary from 14th position out of 196 countries in 2000 jumped marginally to 12th position in 2005 and to 11th position in 2010, but slumped back to 14th position in 2015. Its national wealth was 1163 billion USD in 2000, 2142 billion USD in 2005, 3788 billion USD in 2010, and 3447 billion USD in 2015. It has cumulatively grown by 196% with an average growth rate of 13%. But it is not enough when we compare it with world standards and our political establishment needs to understand this. India requires wide spread skill development if it wants to grow its national wealth. A lesson we need to learn from China where there is no opposition when it comes to policies affecting national wealth.
  • 50% of the world’s wealth in the year 2000 was with super economic powers such as the USA, Japan and the UK. This changed somewhat in 2010 where 50% of the world’s wealth was held by the USA, Japan, UK and France, and this further changed in 2010 when 50% of the wealth of the world was held by USA, Japan, China (China replaced UK) and France. In 2015 the scenario further changed when China jumped to the second position next to the US leaving behind Japan to a close third.
  • Canada with 35 only million people has maintained a steady 8th position in the world. In 2000 it had a national wealth of 2,469 billion USD. This rose to 4277 in 2005, to 6212 in 2010 and finally to 6872 in 2015. Its cumulative growth in 15 years has been 178% with an average growth rate of 11.88%. But it has failed to take a quantum leap because it doesn’t have great reserve of skill bank which it is largely importing from other countries now. It also has a huge geographical territory and it remains to be seen how in times to come it will manage its huge assets with such a meagre population.
  • South Korea has turned into another industrial giant by lifting its skill levels. It rose from the 16th position where it had a national wealth of 1089 billion USD in 2000, to 2149 billion USD in 2005 at 11th spot. But it slumped back to 14th position in 2010 even when it increased its national wealth to 2791 billion USD. But in 2015 it jumped to 12th spot with a national wealth of 3545 billion USD.
  • Greece with its economic crisis, a typical example has crashed to the 30th spot in 2015 with 743 billion USD from the 23rd spot in 2000 with a national wealth of 493 billion USD.
  • Russia with the roots of once a super power has stagnated from 3150 in 2000 to 1284 USD billion in 2015 but has gone up notches from 30th to 23rd

    The point of essence—mere size of population doesn’t increase national wealth. One has to individually create it for the nation. And you can create, only if you have the skill. The US remains the leader in this field with a population of 310 million people which is less than one third of the population of India. Even Canada with only 35 million people generates more revenue than India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is by far on track by underscoring on skill development in India.

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to donate for the cause the bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

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Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(CAN BE BOUGHT FROM ON LINE BOOK STORES OR WRITE TO US FOR COPIES)

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Short story: Two Ponies

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    Once upon a time there was a trader who had two ponies. He often used to load them with grocery. To market in the nearby villages located in the hills. Once, it so happened, that one of his pony fell sick. But the trader did not come to know of it. He wanted to carry salt, jaggery, pulses and rice to the nearby villages to sell. So, he loaded both of them equally and started on his mission.

    But, while negotiating the uneven hilly terrain. The sick pony was having problems. Soon, they halted for a breather. Is when he said to his fellow pony—‘today I’m not feeling well. Therefore, I’ll drop one of the bags loaded on me, so you keep standing here. When our owner notices that. He might just load it on you, but if you move ahead. The owner will load it back on me. In this manner my load will get reduced for the day and I will be able to come along with you.’

    But the other pony replied—‘why should I take your load? As if, I have lesser load on my back. Sorry, I’ll only carry my share of load.’

    Soon they started again. The sick pony was now quiet and kept walking even when he was feeling extremely sick. And while trudging on the hilly track. Because of his weakness he stumbled into a bolder lying on the road and went off the cliff and rolled down and finally succumbed to his injuries.

    The trader was shocked at the sudden death of his pony. He stood there for a while not knowing what to do. Then he lifted the bags off the dead pony and loaded them on to the other one. Now the pony started repenting and thinking—‘had I listened to my fellow pony and taken some extra load. He wouldn’t have come across this fatal accident and in turn I wouldn’t have had to carry the entire load on my back.

    Moral of the story: A person who doesn’t help others, especially, colleagues while they are in danger have to repent. They are paid back in the same coin.

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Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to donate for the cause the bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

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Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(Archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. Book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

(CAN BE BOUGHT FROM ON LINE BOOK STORES OR WRITE TO US FOR COPIES)

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Short story: The farmer and the crane

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cranefarmerfarmer

     Once, a diligent farmer was harassed by the birds when they started attacking his fields. The fields were located close to the nearby forests that happened to be the habitat of many such varieties of birds. The moment the farmer used to sow the seeds and cover it with sand. These pack of birds used to land there and consume the seeds from under the sand. The farmer had gone tired. Trying to keep these birds at bay and was having a harrowing time. Since a lot of these seeds were already eaten away by the birds it was making his farming uneconomical. At last, he had no alternative but to cultivate his land all over again and sow fresh seeds.

    But this time anticipating the same nuisance. He brought along with him a big net and laid the trap of the net over the entire field. Many birds as before came to pick the seeds but got trapped in the net. Along with the birds even one crane got stuck in the net.

    When the farmer started catching the birds in the net the crane implored—‘please have mercy on me. I have not put you to any loss nor have I eaten your seeds. I’m neither a hen, nor a sparrow nor any other seed consuming bird. I’m a crane. I only eat insects that are harmful for crops. Therefore please leave me.’

    Farmer was angry and in his anger he blurted—‘what you say is correct, but today you have been caught along with these birds that have eaten all my seeds. So you are also their friend. And, since you have come with them you too need to face the punishment along with them.’

    The moral of the story is: a person is known by the company he keeps. People who are good but stay with bad people are also subjected to punishment and disgrace. By accompanying the miscreant birds even dutiful crane got trapped and had to pay the price.

***

By Kamlesh Tripathi

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Share it if you like it

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases especially cancer. Should you wish to donate for the cause. The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

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Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)  

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity. That happens to be its undying characteristic. The book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival of 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN

(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his ways through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February, 2018 in Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available in Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha

(ALL THE ABOVE TITLES ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN AMAZON, FLIPKART AND OTHER ONLINE STORES OR YOU COULD EVEN WRITE TO US FOR A COPY)

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#Airtel -Arrogance

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

 

 

#AIRTEL’S- Arrogance

    I have an Airtel number against which the bill amount was being deducted through ECS directly from my account. I later on requested Airtel to discontinue the system of ECS, as I started making payments from my account directly through NET-BANKING and at times even before the bill was generated for my own convenience.

But to my surprise I found in spite of my making direct payments in the first week of the month they continued to deduct money through ECS from my account, and therefore for a couple of months I was made to pay twice the amount of the bill. And, all this happened, when I got several calls from the company, that the system of ECS payment has been discontinued and that is why I made direct payments.

When I requested Airtel to refund my excess amount through several tweet messages, I got the same standard replied that we are looking into the matter but then no one called. I also tried to request them by making calls where I was told the amount will be adjusted against my next bill.

Now comes, the moot point of essence. Suppose I have limited money in my account and I have kept it for something important and suddenly from nowhere this ECS comes and deducts my cash balance even when my bills are paid. It upsets my cash flow and some other EMI of my bounces, who is to be blamed. For a corporate as big as Airtel an amount of eleven to twelve hundred can be a small amount but for an individual it may not be that small an amount at a particular moment. And why should my EMI bounce for no fault of mine, but the fault of Airtel.

Now what is the redressal? Will Airtel give me harassment charges? Because a simple cash incentive or an interest doesn’t parallel the harassment one undergoes when being treated like that, as it kills your lively personna. Surely #Airtel appears to be an arrogant company behind the garb of customer delight.

#Consumer #forums and #TRAI should come out with a guideline on this, even if it is a small issue as it will help many consumers. My Airtel mobile number is 9971494795 about which the above dissatisfaction has been detailed.

Today morning when I got a call from Airtel number 011-400481191 which was to sell one of their plans, I have again requested them to refund my amount.

CC Mr #SunilBhartiMittal- requested to kindly look into the matter even if its a small complaint as it has large implications on consumer convenience.

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THE GREEDY KING-MIDAS

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

 

 

Once upon a time Greece was being ruled by a king called Midas. He was extremely greedy. Besides, his daughter the only thing he loved in the world was Gold. And he was so greedy about gold that even while sleeping he used to make plans of amassing gold in large quantities.

One day while the king was sitting in his treasury and counting his possessions in terms of gold bricks and coins, he saw a ring of smoke rising from the ground and behind that a golden silhouette emerged with a halo on the top that almost resembled an angel. He was transfixed for a moment till the angel said—‘Midas! You are so rich.’

Midas turned melancholic at once and replied—‘Where am I rich. I have so little gold.’

Angel said—‘You are not content even with so much of gold? How much gold do you want?’

King Midas replied—‘I desire; whatever I touch with my hands should turn into gold.’

Angel laughed at the wish of the king and said—‘Very well! From tomorrow morning whatever you touch will turn into gold.’

That night the king could not sleep. He got up quite early in the morning. After getting up he decided to keep his hand on the chair lying close to him just to test the words of the angel. To his surprise the chair turned into gold. He then touched a table and that too turned into gold. Midas in delight started merry making by jumping and dancing. Like a mad man he then ran towards his garden and started touching the plants there. Then he touched the flowers and the leaves, he even touched the branches and the flower pots and everything turned into gold. Everything around was now glittering like gold. Midas now had unlimited gold.

Merry making and excitement had made king Midas tired by now. He hadn’t even realised that his clothes had become heavy as it had turned into gold. He was now thirsty and hungry. After returning from the garden he came and sat on a golden chair. One of his servants kept some delicious food and water in front of him realising his master was hungry. But the moment he touched the food it turned into gold and the moment he lifted the glass of water that too also turned into gold and this made him somewhat nervous. All the delicious food lying in front of Midas had now turned into gold when he was very hungry. He couldn’t have satisfied his hunger and quenched his thirst by food and water made out of gold.

He started weeping. Just then his daughter who was playing in the vicinity came there, when she heard her father crying. And, seeing him crying she climbed on to his lap to wipe his tears. Emotional Midas hugged his daughter but soon realised that his daughter was no more there and in her place Midas had his daughter’s golden statue that was very heavy for him to hold on to. Poor Midas started banging his head on the calamity. Angel who was watching king Midas from heaven witnessed the calamity that befell on him and felt sympathetic towards him and appeared again. On seeing her Midas fell on her feet and started pleading—‘please take back your blessing.’

Angel asked—‘Midas! Now you don’t want gold? Tell me whether a glass of water is more precious or gold? A morsel of bread is beneficial or gold?’

Midas folded his hands and said—‘I don’t want gold. I have come to know that a man doesn’t require gold to survive. Without gold a man can exist but without a glass of water or a loaf of bread he cannot. Now on I will not be greedy for gold.’

Angel then gave him a bowl full of water and said—‘sprinkle this all over.’

Midas sprinkled the water on his daughter, on the chair and the table, on the food and water, in the garden and on the plants and flowers, and everything thereafter from gold came back to its original form.

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THE GREEDY KING-MIDAS

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

THE GREEDY KING—MIDAS

    Once upon a time Greece was being ruled by a king called Midas. He was extremely greedy. Besides, his daughter the only thing he loved in the world was Gold. And he was so greedy about gold that even while sleeping he used to make plans of amassing gold in large quantities.

One day while the king was sitting in his treasury and counting his possessions in terms of gold bricks and coins, he saw a ring of smoke rising from the ground and behind that a golden silhouette emerged with a halo on the top that almost resembled an angel. He was transfixed for a moment till the angel said—‘Midas! You are so rich.’

Midas turned melancholic at once and replied—‘Where am I rich. I have so little gold.’

Angel said—‘You are not content even with so much of gold? How much gold do you want?’

King Midas replied—‘I desire; whatever I touch with my hands should turn into gold.’

Angel laughed at the wish of the king and said—‘Very well! From tomorrow morning whatever you touch will turn into gold.’

That night the king could not sleep. He got up quite early in the morning. After getting up he decided to keep his hand on the chair lying close to him just to test the words of the angel. To his surprise the chair turned into gold. He then touched a table and that too turned into gold. Midas in delight started merry making by jumping and dancing. Like a mad man he then ran towards his garden and started touching the plants there. Then he touched the flowers and the leaves, he even touched the branches and the flower pots and everything turned into gold. Everything around was now glittering like gold. Midas now had unlimited gold.

Merry making and excitement had made king Midas tired by now. He hadn’t even realised that his clothes had become heavy as it had turned into gold. He was now thirsty and hungry. After returning from the garden he came and sat on a golden chair. One of his servants kept some delicious food and water in front of him realising his master was hungry. But the moment he touched the food it turned into gold and the moment he lifted the glass of water that too also turned into gold and this made him somewhat nervous. All the delicious food lying in front of Midas had now turned into gold when he was very hungry. He couldn’t have satisfied his hunger and quenched his thirst by food and water made out of gold.

He started weeping. Just then his daughter who was playing in the vicinity came there, when she heard her father crying. And, seeing him crying she climbed on to his lap to wipe his tears. Emotional Midas hugged his daughter but soon realised that his daughter was no more there and in her place Midas had his daughter’s golden statue that was very heavy for him to hold on to. Poor Midas started banging his head on the calamity. Angel who was watching king Midas from heaven witnessed the calamity that befell on him and felt sympathetic towards him and appeared again. On seeing her Midas fell on her feet and started pleading—‘please take back your blessing.’

Angel asked—‘Midas! Now you don’t want gold? Tell me whether a glass of water is more precious or gold? A morsel of bread is beneficial or gold?’

Midas folded his hands and said—‘I don’t want gold. I have come to know that a man doesn’t require gold to survive. Without gold a man can exist but without a glass of water or a loaf of bread he cannot. Now on I will not be greedy for gold.’

Angel then gave him a bowl full of water and said—‘sprinkle this all over.’

Midas sprinkled the water on his daughter, on the chair and the table, on the food and water, in the garden and on the plants and flowers, and everything thereafter from gold came back to its original form.

***

Story: PRIORITIES OF LIFE VS PRIORITIES OF A LIFETIME

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

Memorable times
Sting of career and earnings
Poison of ego

 

There was once an old person who used to stay in a remote city with his wife. He was not very well off. But apparently, he was very sincere both towards his family and even his extended family. By nature he was not very diplomatic and conniving, rather he was curt and straightforward, yet he wished everyone well. But his straightforward nature had painted a negative picture of him in the entire family.

One day he realised that his clan had grown both in size and diversity with people settling all across the country and even abroad, and had not come together for many years. Over the years many marriages had taken place, where many daughter-in-laws and son-in-laws had entered the family and many grandchildren were born and many of them had not even met each other. This required a complete churning of the family; for the clan is as closely knit as its last meeting, he thought so.

One day he got a brainwave. He thought of arranging for a family get-together where the entire clan could come under one umbrella just for a couple of days during a holiday or even a weekend. He visualised this could be a forerunner and could set a domino effect of family gatherings amongst family members which in turn will generate fondness and belongingness in the family even after he is gone. He discussed the idea with his wife who too welcomed it.

He then communicated to all the family members about his idea. Some family members responded warmly, some in a lukewarm fashion, some were indifferent and some didn’t even consider the idea worth replying, nevertheless he took the indifference in his stride.

But in spite of the minor disrespect that he suffered at the hands of some members of the family, he decided to go ahead and take initiative as he thought it was a watershed idea to bring together the entire clan. In consultation with members of the family a three day programme was fixed. The dates were finally decided keeping everyone’s convenience in mind; which was during the festival period and that too over a weekend so that leave was not an issue.

The first day was all about receiving people from the airport and the railway station followed by some free time to laze and mingle as most of them would have met after a long gap and some for the first time, followed by a gala dinner in the ambience of some soothing gazals in the club. The second day was all about local sightseeing for which he had booked a van, which was more for the children and the young crowd that not seen the city. For the third day a family puja was planned in the morning followed by shopping during the day and a bout of indoor games in the evening followed by dinner and with that the programme would have come to an end.

While keeping the get-together in mind, he had also started some minor renovations and facelift of his house for the comfort of the guests, considering so many family members were arriving after a long gap and the atmosphere at home had begun to be upbeat. Until one day when less than a month was left he and his wife started getting calls from several family members that they are unable to make it.

For some, important business meetings had sprung up on those very dates falling over the weekend, for some others pressing engagements, and few had an afterthought and didn’t want to come home—that is to their roots for just two or three days, and wanted to come for a longer duration as they considered a short trip as waste of money and an unhealthy return on investment; even when they hadn’t come home for more than a decade. And, under the dubious circumstances the watershed idea of the person was under gradual strangulation and soon it died a painful death.

But destiny at times is inconveniently cruel. Even when the get-together was called off, just a couple of days after the proposed dates of the get-together the person kicked the bucket. The sad news reached one and all. The entire clan was in grief and had little choice now, but to cancel their pressing engagements and meetings, which they couldn’t have done for a family get together. Their viewpoints about return on investment went for a toss as they rushed to have a last glimpse of the person leaving behind all pressing commitments. The same travel agent whose vehicle was booked for sightseeing earlier was now ferrying everyone from the airport as most of them had arrived by flights on account of short notice; but tragically this time it was not for any family get together or sightseeing, but to finally bid adieu to the person.

In our lifetime we all feel as if we have a lot of time to catch up with things in life even when we see death all around us each day.  Whereas, we show urgency and immediacy when it comes to earnings and career, we fail to show the same urgency when it comes to reaching out to our clan or to our inner self and even God. The prudent precept of life therefore is: don’t allow such rare heavenly opportunities–such as a family get together, to go by in your busy life, for you don’t know when the other person will drop dead or when you will make an exit from this world, so grab the opportunity. And remember let not the priorities of life overtake the priorities of a lifetime.

***

Short story: Knowledge and love

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    Long time ago there lived a great Maharishi (sage) by the name of Shaunak. He had many shishyas (pupils) who used to serve him quite sincerely. And he often used to send them to the nearby villages, cities and to the ordinary citizens there. To, teach them the fundamental objectives of life. This continued smoothly for some time. But after a while some of his shishyas started becoming arrogant. As they thought. After having taught so many people. They had become a scholar.

    One day, a few of them went up to the Maharishi and said, ‘Guruji as told by you. We toured across many villages and cities, to convey your message about the essence and objective of life to the common man. And, this we did continuously and relentlessly. But now we feel. This huge effort on our part has not delivered the expected results. As most of them continue to be the same old simpleton. Because, even after hearing your teachings several times. They don’t want to change. So, we feel, as if we are wasting our time and energy with them.

    Maharishi, for a moment was stunned and saddened at this feedback. Because, he felt, some of his shishyas were sounding arrogant. So he replied in sarcasm, ‘I must say. You all have researched quite a lot on the various aspects of life.’ They replied, ‘yes Guruji you are right. Our reservoir of knowledge is now praised by one and all, and that too in all directions. And we have learnt whatever was required to be learnt.’

    Maharishi said, ‘I’m extremely happy to know. That you all have attained proficiency in knowledge. But before we discuss anything further. I want you all to form two groups. One group will gather knowledge from the people that is not bookish. The other group will gather information about love that is not physical.

    The arrogant shishyas were stunned at Maharishi’s orders. They started wondering. As to how a person can gain knowledge without reading a book, and how can he be in love without physical contact? Nevertheless, as advised. They formed two groups and immediately marched towards different directions and started discussing the matter with various people who came in contact. Where, they also came across people they had met earlier.

    But, wherever they went they were ridiculed. People made fun of them and considered them to be a simpleton, of the first order.  The shishyas thus felt dejected. And since they were away from the realities of life. Even their self respect took a beating. Soon, they returned to the Maharishi and in a complaining tone said,

    ‘Guruji, it appears, this time you had sent us to the village and city of simpletons. Where, each of them. Even the ones who earlier respected us, are today mocking at us. Because, it is impossible to gain knowledge without reading a book and even impossible to love, without physical relationship.’

    Maharishi smiled and said, ‘is it so? So then what happened to the knowledge that I gave you. If real knowledge is only available through books, and love only with physical relationship. Then why did you come to me? And why is it that people after reading books and after acquiring love through physical relationship, are still ignorant about real knowledge and real love.’

    Upon hearing Maharishi’s reply the shishyas were shamed. They were embarrassed at their ignorance. They requested Maharishi to show them the way. Maharishi said, ‘my dear children. Let me make it known to you. That real knowledge will not arise out of books alone. But will arise out of these people. Because, from many them books have emanated. And before educating these people. We will have to understand the reservoir of the knowledge within us. For, if we place ourselves in their position. We will know the reason of their laughter.

    Only by knowing people from a close distance. Can we reach a definite conclusion and understand about what they want to communicate. And all this is possible only when we accept them. So, accept people as they are. Just as we accept the universe. As it is. For that is the lone truth. Rest is only a bunch of evasive thoughts.

    In the same manner. True love comes to you only if you are humble towards the Creator of the Universe. One who has given you the body, mind and soul, and has decorated this world with various beautiful dreams. This feeling of humbleness takes you to that divine love. That forms our roots and gives us the refuge of salvation.

    To gain real knowledge and to know about real love. You all had to come to me. As I’m your Guru. And Guru is the representative of the Universe and its creator. Finally, only, the real knowledge and love for God are true.’

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Posted By Kamlesh Tripathi

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to donate for the cause the bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

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Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(Archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)  

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. Book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

(CAN BE BOUGHT FROM ON LINE BOOK STORES OR WRITE TO US FOR COPIES)

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#Cancer is conquerable. A strong mind is required to fight cancer.

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

Book title: ‘Refractions from the Prism of God’ a motivational book on a three time cancer survivor .

You can now also download the book from Pothi.com or Antrik.com; from their autobiographies section.